Wallabies too good for Les Bleus, but they're not at All Black standard yet

Cast your mind back just one year and it is clear that the Wallabies are in a better shape than they were. The growth of Israel Folau, the emergence of Tevita Kuridrani and now the possibilties offered by Will Skelton - there is a power in the athletes coming through the Australian Super Rugby sides that hasn't been there for years. And it'll get better.

Monster debut: Big Will Skelton scored a try and set up another for the Wallabies in their 39-13 win. Photo: AFP

Henry Speight will walk into the side when he is eligible and Ewen McKenzie's refusal to sugar-coat the Melbourne Test win struck exactly the right tone, which of course is such a hugely important part of his role. But to the curmudgeonly, a group to which we belong, the win has left as much to work on as to praise - certainly not swan-dive material (though the captain can be excused for his youthful exuberance). Aided by a soft yellow card, there were 50 points on offering on Saturday, and it got a little loose in the second half, with a few too many handling errors. A good series win then - bank it and move on. The real work hasn't started yet.

There is something instantly likeable about the massive Waratahs youngster. Perhaps it's his cartoonish dimensions. Pawing the opposition halfback on the opposition ruck ball, he resembles a bear alerted to the possibility of honey. But it was all made possible by the lineout work of Rob Simmons, who is such a clever operator there. In fact, when Skelton ran over Thierry Dusautoir, it was the product of clean lineout ball from Simmons.

Subsequent to that, the Wallabies went to Scott Fardy at the next set-piece and he knocked on. Then they went back to Simmons who again won quality possession to set the backs away in the move that led to the France yellow card and subsequently the first try to Folau. Simmons would be close to first on the team sheet these days, and James Horwill was an excellent contributor upon his introduction. Skelton is a weapon, but is he fit enough to start against the All Blacks? There's still a bit of work to do.

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3. Get well soon, France.

The French media scathingly referred to their side as a "nation mineure" after the first Test, and although that may be a bit harsh the sentiment was well judged. Bernard Foley was allowed to run about 10 metres unopposed in the build-up to Folau's second try - they were so passive on defence, and their handling and passing was mediocre on attack.

The scrummaging was a bit better, but to only be competitive in one out of three games on tour is a poor return for a side that contested a World Cup final only a few years ago. It also took them 56 minutes to work out that Simmons was the likely lineout target. Dusautoir was suitably sheepish in his post-match comments. We didn't expect much of them prior to this series, and they played down to those expectations.

4. All Blacks old dogs still have plenty of bite.

Tony Woodcock's shot on Billy Vunipola - the All Blacks seem to relish taking on the big man - was just one part of a performance that had real sting from the veteran loose-head. England were not good in the first half, which is a shame because in general they have been excellent value, but the All Blacks' pack really gave them a lesson with their breakdown work, footwork in close quarters and ability to play off No.9 Aaron Smith.

Jerome Kaino has given them an extra level since his return, and on the right wing Cory Jane was back at a level not seen since his comeback from his knee injury. We keep waiting for them to grow old quickly, like ageing heavyweights pushed into a fight too far, and they keep disappointing us.

5. Victor Matfield was superb.

The Springboks probably wouldn't have won a fabulous Test in Nelspruit without Matfield - in alliance with Bismarck du Plessis. He ruled the air as of old, a hugely influential presence in the lineout drives that resulted in two Welshmen being sent to the bin and the Boks being awarded their first. Not only that, but he was mobile around the park, at times playing the link-man role as well as showing desperation as a covering defender. He has had a quite remarkable return to the Test arena - he looks fresher than when he left.

Wales played their part. If they find a No.10 - their interest in the Chiefs' Gareth Anscombe is well documented - and keep Jamie Roberts on the field, they are capable of hurting either Australia or England at next year's World Cup. Don't write them off just yet.